Christchurch To Auckland Road Trip (From An Expert)
If you’re looking for a picturesque and thrilling road trip in New Zealand, look no further than a Christchurch to Auckland road trip (or indeed the reverse Auckland to Christchurch road trip).
This journey is packed with stunning landscapes, charming towns, and exciting attractions that will make for unforgettable memories. From the rugged coastline of Kaikoura to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, there’s something for everyone on this adventure-filled route.
I’ve been everywhere on this list, so I can promise you that there are no duds here! It’s a quick trip but gives you a good overview of why New Zealand is such an amazing place to visit.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to New Zealand or a returning traveller looking for your next big adventure, this road trip promises to be an experience like no other. So buckle up and get ready for an epic journey through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
This route is for a 9-day trip, but I have also included suggestions for additional stops if you have more time available.
This post is part of my New Zealand Itinerary Hub, which includes 7โ14 day routes and travel tips.
Quick Guide
Day 1 – Christchurch
Day 2 – Kaikoura
Day 3 – Blenheim
Day 4 – Ferry to Wellington
Day 5 – Wellington
Day 6 – Taupo
Day 7 – Rotorua
Day 8 – Auckland
Day 9 – Auckland
โ๏ธ Planning a trip to New Zealand? Explore all my NZ travel guides and itineraries here.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Christchurch
Christchurch is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Known as the โGarden City,โ Christchurch boasts an abundance of parks and gardens that are perfect for picnics, strolls, and outdoor activities.
In addition to its natural beauty, Christchurch also has plenty of cultural attractions that are worth exploring. Canterbury Museum is currently under redevelopment, but some of the collection is on display at pop-up museums.
Art galleries like the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetลซ showcase contemporary works from local and international artists.
Christchurch is also the location of the 2011 earthquake that damaged many significant buildings and caused the deaths of 185 people. In the years since that tragic event, the city has rebuilt and there are even a few buildings dedicated to the event.
For those interested in geology and earthquakes, Quake City makes for an interesting visit. In addition to general
The Cardboard Cathedral was built after the demolition of the landmark cathedral in the city centre, using cardboard as one of its primary construction materials.
Another suggestion is the International Antarctic Centre, a short drive from the city centre. Most scientific expeditions to Antarctica leave from Christchurch, and a museum showcases the history of Antarctic exploration, as well as some of the challenges of everyday life for those who spend time living and working in Antarctica.
They also have a small colony of Little Blue Penguins that are being cared for by specialist vets until they are able to be released.
Where to Stay in Christchurch
๐๏ธ Argyle in the Park is next to Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens and a reasonable price.
๐๏ธ Check out Jailhouse Accommodation for budget options in dorm rooms.
Day 2 – Kaikoura
Kaikoura is best known for whale and dolphin watching, however as these tours tend to start early in the day I recommend joining a tour on Day 3 after staying the night in Kaikoura, unless you want to leave Christchurch very early.
Head north up State Highway 1 from Christchurch past the rolling hills and rivers of New Zealand’s Canterbury region. Stop in Waipara for lunch at one of the many winery restaurants in the town.
Make a few stops along the way to enjoy the scenery until you reach Kaikoura. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island, this lovely town offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Head to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway to get some ocean views and see the Ohau Point seal colony. You may even see dolphins and whales from the walkway if you are lucky.
If you prefer flora over fauna, the nearby lavender farm might be of interest. Using different varietals to ensure year-round blooms, Lavendyl Lavender Farm makes for a relaxing visit with gardens, a cafe and a gift shop.
Where to Stay in Kaikoura
๐๏ธ Sudima Kaikoura is next to the beach with a restaurant on site.
๐๏ธ Dolphin Lodge is a hostel with cheap dorm rooms near the water.
Drive Christchurch to Kaikoura: 2hrs 30min, 113 miles
Day 3 – Blenheim
Start your day with a whale-watching tour. There are resident sperm whales in the area and seasonal visits from orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales. Dolphins are also frequently seen playing in the waters around Kaikoura.
You can choose from a catamaran or kayak tour, or even a whale-watching flight if budget isn’t a concern. The tour start times depend on the season, and you will need to book in advance as it is a very popular activity.
๐ Book your whale watching tour here!
After hopefully spotting many marine animals, head to State Highway 1 again and head further north to Blenheim. Blenheim is located in the Marlborough region, an area famous for winemaking.
This area is home to some of the world’s best vineyards and wineries, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts.
New Zealand is renowned for its wine and Marlborough is the biggest wine region in the country.
One of the main attractions in Blenheim is the Marlborough Wine Trail. This trail takes visitors through some of the most beautiful vineyards and wineries in the region.
Hire a bike or join a tour and spend the afternoon visiting a couple of wineries. There are several within an easy distance of Blenheim, and it’s one of the most popular wine-tasting regions in the country.
If you are a fan of wine you might want to consider staying an extra night here and doing a full day wine tour.
Where to Stay in Blenheim
๐๏ธ Blenheim Palms Motel is centrally located and some rooms have spa baths.
Drive Kaikoura to Blenheim: 1hr 45mins, 80 miles
Day 4 – Ferry to Wellington
Leave Blenheim and head towards Picton to catch the Interislander ferry. The ferry journey lasts 3 1/2 hours, and takes you through Queen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait.
Any trip to New Zealand should include some time in Wellington, and as it sits at the southern tip of the North Island, it is the perfect mid-point for your Christchurch to Auckland Road Trip.
Tip: the timetables adjust according to the time of year, and certain ferries do not run every day of the week. Book in advance and ensure you have checked in at the ferry terminal at least 1 hour before departure.
Where to Stay in Wellington (2 nights)
Most hotels in Wellington don’t offer parking so you will need to look at parking options.
๐๏ธ QT Wellington is a quirky hotel with an excellent restaurant and interesting artwork.
๐๏ธ Marion Hostel offers budget dorm rooms in an otherwise expensive city.
Day 5 – Wellington
Spend a day exploring Wellington. Wellington, the charming capital city of New Zealand situated on the southern tip of the North Island, is a must-visit destination for any New Zealand road trip. Known for its vibrant culture and friendly locals, Wellington has something to offer everyone.
A visit to the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ isn’t complete without a stroll along the popular waterfront promenade with a flat white from one of the city’s many coffee shops.
The scenic walkway offers views of the harbour and provides access to some of Wellington’s best cafes and restaurants. Check out Cuba Street’s independent cafes and shops, if you feel like a bit of shopping.
For those who love history, a trip to Te Papa National Museum is a must-see attraction. This world-class museum showcases New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage with interactive exhibits that are both informative and entertaining.
From mid-September 2024 the museum is no longer free to international visitors – the cost of utilities has gone up significantly and the museum isn’t receiving enough donations to stay completely free.
It’s still well worth visiting, and you could easily spend a few hours there.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Wellington, take the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens and stroll back down past the beautiful rose garden.
Finally, if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, Wellington is the ideal place to explore some filming locations.
โ Book a full day Lord of the Rings tour here!
Day 6 – Taupo
This will be the longest driving day on the trip, but it is a great drive. You’ll pass through Tongariro National Park with views of Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu. Don’t rush the drive and leave yourself time to stop and take pictures.
And if you are a big fan of hiking, this would be a good place to spend an extra day – the Tongariro Crossing is often on the list of the best hikes in the world.
Taupo is a town sitting on the edge of Lake Taupo. This is the country’s largest lake, created by two of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history.
There are various watersports that you can enjoy on the lake, take a boat trip to the Maori carvings hidden in rocks around the lake, or head to Huka falls for more nature and photos.
Taupo is also popular place to go skydiving – unsurprising given the views you will get over the massive lake during your jump.
โ Book a jet boat ride along the Waikato River to Huka Falls here!
Drive Wellington to Taupo: 5 hours, 240 miles
Where To Stay In Taupo
๐๏ธ Acacia Lake View Hotel is great value and sits directly on the lake. It’s a short walk from the town centre.
Day 7 – Rotorua
Rotorua is known for its stunning natural beauty and geothermal activity. It’s also a hub for Maori culture and history, making it an ideal destination for those looking to learn more about the country’s indigenous people.
One of the main attractions in Rotorua is its geothermal parks. Places like Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia offer visitors the chance to witness bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and hot springs up close.
The sulfuric smell may take some getting used to, but it’s worth it for the unique experience. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in nearby areas such as Whakarewarewa Forest.
Another draw to Rotorua is its rich Maori culture. There are several cultural tours you can participate in to watch traditional Maori dances and songs and eat a hangi feast.
I highly recommend joining one of these cultural tours when in Rotorua. Maori culture is hugely important in New Zealand and you won’t experience it in any other country.
โ Book your tour and dinner at Mitai Maori Village here.
Drive Taupo to Rotorua: 1 hour, 50 miles.
Where to Stay in Rotorua
๐๏ธ JetPark Hotel offers good value for money close to the city centre.
Day 8 – Auckland
There are two routes I would recommend for the drive between Rotorua and Auckland.
The first route is a long drive with a detour to Waitomo, to visit the famous glowworm caves. The caves were formed over millions of years by the forces of water and limestone, creating a network of tunnels and chambers that stretch for miles beneath the surface.
But it’s not just the incredible geology that makes these caves so special โ it’s also the thousands of tiny glowworms that call them home.
These bioluminescent creatures create a magical spectacle as they light up the darkness with their soft blue-green glow. Visitors can explore the caves on foot or by boat, marvelling at stalactites and stalagmites along with an underground river system.
โ Book your tour of the Waitomo glowworm caves here.
The second route option is a shorter drive via Matamata, where the film set for Hobbiton is still in place and you can join a tour of this key location in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. For fans of the films, you can pose by the hobbit holes, see the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn.
And of course if you have enough time, you could adjust your route to visit both Waitomo and Matamata!
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Auckland is the Sky Tower, which stands tall at 328 meters and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors to the Sky Tower can also take part in activities such as bungy jumping or walking around the edge of the tower.
Drive from Rotorua to Auckland
Route 1 via Waitomo: 4hrs 45min, 206 miles
Route 2 via Matamata: 2hrs 45mins, 142 miles
Where to Stay in Auckland
๐๏ธ Fable has beautifully decorated rooms in the city centre.
๐๏ธ LyLo Hostel offers cheaper beds in dorm rooms.
Day 9 – Auckland
Spend a final day in Auckland, visiting some of the other attractions.
Auckland War Memorial Museum has three primary galleries, dedicated to the history of the Maori people and Pacific Islands, another focusing on the natural history of New Zealand, and another area dedicated to New Zealand’s involvement in warfare.
They also run temporary exhibitions on a variety of subjects.
A popular option for an excursion is to take the ferry over to nearby Waiheke Island for wine tasting and walking. Rangitoto Island is also just a ferry ride from Auckland city centre – it’s a volcanic island that last erupted 600 years ago.
Suggestions For More Than 7 Days
Queenstown
If you have a few extra days I would highly recommend starting your road trip further south in Queenstown. Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps. It’s a beautiful place for both relaxing and thrill chasing.
Whenever I’m in New Zealand, I also spend a few days in Queenstown to explore the surrounding area.
There are many adventure activities in Queenstown such as skydiving and jetboating, and it is also located in an area significant for winemaking – Central Otago. You can also find several day tours from Queenstown, including to the magnificent Milford Sound.
And if you are thinking of doing a skydive in Queenstown – here is the video of mine!
Abel Tasman National Park
Squeeze in an extra day in the South Island before you take the ferry to Wellington and explore this national park. It offers breathtaking views of golden beaches, sparkling waters, and lush forests. The park has a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking and kayaking.
The coastline is home to fur seals, dolphins and penguins which make for an exciting wildlife experience. You can also take a boat trip around the coast where you’ll spot rock formations and stunning waterfalls.
Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is a region on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is known for its sunny weather, stunning landscapes, and world-class vineyards. The region is also home to some of the country’s best beaches and surf spots.
Another must-visit destination in Hawkes Bay is Napier, a seaside city known for its art deco architecture. Visitors can take a stroll along Marine Parade to admire the city’s unique buildings or visit one of its many art galleries and museums.
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel is a stunning coastal area located on the eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island. It is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and beautiful beaches.
The most famous of these are Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove – both must-see destinations for any visitor to the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a kayak tour around the coastline or try your hand at surfing.
Car Rental and Driving Information
Discover Cars offer great deals on car hire. Just make sure you check Google reviews for the company you use as well as the reviews on the Discover website – their scores aren’t always accurate.
You will need a full driving licence to hire a car and prices will be higher for younger drivers.
- Drive on the left side of the road
- There are many narrow and steep roads around the country, take your time and be cautious if the roads are wet or icy.
- There are several tourist areas which might appear close to each other on a map but require a significant detour around the mountains – double-check your route for driving distances.
- Most rental cars now are automatic, but there are some manual cars around so make sure you choose whichever you are comfortable with.
- Speed limits and signs are in km/h.
- The driver is responsible for ensuring everyone in the car has seatbelts on.
- Be careful if you are driving and visiting wineries. Allow enough time for any alcohol to leave your system as the penalties for drunk driving can be severe. Or preferably join a tour so you aren’t driving at all.
- You must not use a handheld phone while driving.
FAQs
Do I Need A Visa To Enter New Zealand
If you are from a Visa Waiver country you will need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) which takes around 72 hours to be processed and costs NZD17. Make sure you apply in advance, in case your application is rejected and you need a visitor visa.
From other countries, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa which typically takes around 36 days and costs NZD211.
Both of these options are for visitors only and do not allow you to work in New Zealand. You should only apply via the official government website.
Is New Zealand Safe For Solo Travellers
Yes! New Zealand is a very safe country, and is a great choice for solo travellers, especially women travelling alone.
Final Thoughts on a Christchurch to Auckland Road Trip
A road trip from through New Zealand is an unforgettable adventure that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
From the stunning landscapes and rugged coastlines to the charming towns and cultural experiences along the way, this journey offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends and family, there are endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. So pack your bags, hit the open road, and experience New Zealand’s South Island and North Island in all their glory. You won’t regret it!
Other Posts You May Like
Queenstown to Auckland Road Trip
Best Places To Visit In The North Island
Best Places To Visit In The South Island
